Spain

Spanish wines have captured the hearts, minds—and palates—of America’s wine lovers of late, and for good reason. Even Spain’s most exclusive wines represent good values, especially the reds. Now, “good value” in this case means much more than “good for the money”. These are not simply consolation prizes for those who don’t want to spend the money needed to buy classified Bordeaux, premier cru Burgundies, or limited-quantity California vintages. Thanks to increased technology and higher quality standards among vintners, we are witnessing the emergence of one of the world’s great winemaking traditions.

For more than a century, grapes with common names like Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon have been grown throughout Spain. The French Grenache (Garnacha Tinto) is the most widely planted grape in Spain. The finest indigenous red wine grape is Tempranillo. Most likely a member of the Pinot Noir family, Tempranillo can vary depending on where it is grown. In the south and east, for example, it produces wines that are light, fragrant, and pleasant. In the north and west, however, the wines are sturdy, dark, and age-worthy, almost Bordeaux-like in weight and sophistication.

Along with its celebrated sherries, Spain is known for its red wines, in particular Rioja and Penedes, although Ribera del Duero and Priorato are gaining recognition, too. Whites made from the Albarino grape are crisp and flavorful, and Spain’s popular sparkling wines remain quite affordable.

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